All Things Historical (Fiction and Non-fiction)

About the History Lady

When I was nine or ten years old, I watched the “Six Wives of Henry VIII” starring Keith Michell as Henry VIII–and was forever hooked on the Tudors, the Stuarts and anything that had to do with the 15th and 16th Centuries in the UK.

Fast forward to 2011–my love for history and a good non-fiction or fiction book or movie is unabated. I read an overwhelming amount on the topic and this blog is my first attempt to share my views on what books/shows are well-written, interesting and helpful and what I find less, well, less factual! Because the one way to provoke my ire is to play fast and loose with known historical fact.

Not surprisingly, all this interest in history and historical fiction has led to my first attempt at an historical fiction novel of my own.

Thanks very much for following the immortal jukebox. I hope you find much to enjoy (and comment on!) there. I look forward to lots of reading here (my tutor for Tudor history at university was David Starkey). Regards thom.

I enjoyed reading about your visits to Mary locations, I have been doing the same for many years now, always looking for new places. I have visited Fotheringhay twice, and now planning a trip to France. I am at present writing a factual book on ‘Marie’, any help or encouragement is extremely appreciated.

I am currently working with the Bodleian Libraries on a project which I think may be of interest to you and your readers.
We are hosting a Wikipedia editathon focusing on the Rediscovering Rycote online resource (http://rycote.bodleian.ox.ac.uk).

Anabel, Thank you for stopping! I was at Linlithgow last year on a whirlwind tour of Mary, Queen of Scots sights. I had a magnificent day for the trip over from Fife, where i was staying. I could have stayed on in Linlithgow forever at the Cathedral, the ruins and the Four Mary’s pub!
Look forward to chatting more often!
Geri

Yes you are! My family is from Kinghorn (Mum) and Lochgelly (Dad) and I do not get to Scotland anywhere near enough. But last May I had 10 days by the sea looking at InchKeith and rambling around Scotland with my cousins from Kirkcaldy. I’ll be over again soon!

I must have been 10 or 11 when it was shown in the US — and am agog that my parents let me watch it, and ERII (and see Anne of the 1000 Days/Mary, Queen of Scots). But different times I suppose! Still think Glenda Jackson was ‘The’ Elizabeth R to end all times.

Think my reply got lost – but apologies if it arrives twice. Was agreeing about Glenda Jackson as Elizabeth. Stunning performance. Always remember the scene where she carefully puts away Dudley’s last letter – having written “His last letter” on it, old romantic that I am.

Saw her on stage once in Caucasian Chalk Circle – knew she was about to give it all up for politics and determined to go.

Ah! An opening in the market. Wasn’t she Catherine of Aragon’s sister? I have to believe that-though there is not much historical fiction (though there is a book by CW Gortner), there would be non-fiction articles on her — more in Spanish probably, but worth a look. She is fascinating!

Thank you! I don’t know much about Mad Juana–but I have this theory that most novelists have exhausted the Tudors and will start on the Spanish and French medieval queens & kings and tell their stories.

Oh, thanks for the heads up on the new AW book! I’m going to see if I can pre-order it since I have a gift cert to B&N burning a hole in my pocket. You know, the Glenda Jackson Elizabeth movie is probably the only version I haven’t seen. Must move it up in my Netflix queue!

Like you, I got hooked on the Tudors, Mary Queen of Scots, etc. at an early age. The movie? “Mary Queen of Scots” with Vanessa Redgrave. Allison Weir is one of my fave historical authors. Nice job on your blog!

I was just re-watching “Elizabeth I” on Netflix and marveling at what a fabulous Elizabeth Glenda Jackson made. Of course, she is in “Mary…” too with Vanessa Redgrave. Alison Weir is coming out with a biography of Mary Boleyn on 4 October–I think it is another must read for Tudor fans.